The word Yule comes fromOld Englishgeol, which shares a history with the equivalent word from Old Norse, jl. So some people deem it appropriate to celebrate during the period between these two holidays. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. For example, you could make holly water by soaking holly leaves in spring water under a full moon. Leave an offering that feels right to you. If you have a Book of Shadows, you can write your goals in it. These 12 days are better known to most people today as the There is no one answer to this question, as the proper greeting for Yule may vary depending on your cultural background. Earth Mother is calling her children home. Everyone present should take a few moments to meditate upon the time of the season. Ask a participant at each directional point to hold the item. This is one of my favorite Winter Solstice traditions because its simply so cozy! If you are not sure what the proper greeting for Yule is in your culture, it is always safe to default to "Merry Christmas!" Without even doing anything beyond what you would probably normally do, you can make each of the twelve days a holiday for your kids. Yule is an important holiday celebrated by many people around the world. We sincerely wish you a joyful Yuletide and a prosperous year ahead! But you dont have to incorporate that custom if you dont want to. Wigington, Patti. Pass the candles around to the group so that each person has one of their own. For example, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is thought to have been written in the 1700s. Newspapers? For Wiccans, Yule is the second sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, marked with rituals to welcome the return of the Sun. In the harsh climate of northern Europe, most cattle were slaughtered because they could not be fed during the winter. they provide a lovely contrast on the evergreen tree. There are eight holidays, or Sabbats, that are traditionally recognized. I especially like good luck spells for the winter ahead. Before you drop them off, why notinvoke the elementsto do a formal blessing of the donated items? The person standing at the north should take their bowl of earth or stones, and begin walking around the outside of the circle. Dried oranges are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the middle. Many people spend time cooking traditional holiday foods and enjoying time together. Finally, the Mother lights the candle held by the Crone. The tenth day of yule is typically celebrated by going to a christmas concert or other festive event. Whoever whatever whenever your tradition is for celebrating natures rhythms, blessings to you! You can do whatever feels natural and fits into your practice best. Terms of Use | Updates? It is thought to have originated as a pagan festival. as the date of the death of Jesus and having conception and death on the same date signified a divine cycle. It's also a time to celebrate with family and friends, and share the spirit of giving during the holidays. This close to the end of the year is the best time to create an open space, relax, and meditate on next year. Yule is a time to celebrate the hope of returning light and life. December 25 was nine months after March 25, the date of the vernal equinox and a date linked to the conception of Jesus (celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation). The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the yearand that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. On this day offerings are made to the wild birds, animals, and spirits of the woods. I put candles (in safe places) all over my home and keep our day bright, even though the sky is dark. It is the day with the fewest daylight hours of the year. If you believe in the dark night of the soul, then there truly is no better day! However, today many people celebrate both Yule and Christmas in conjunction. After all, that is when the shortest day is on that side of the planet. I hope this gives you a great overview of Yule and the Winter Solstice! Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. If you have an extender on your vacuum cleaner, use it to suck up cobwebs and dust from the ceiling fans, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach spots. And while we do, try to figure out how these pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas. Tiffany: Yule is the celebration of light and the rebirth of the sun as this day marks the longest day when the hours of daylight are at the least, where the Goddess once again becomes the Great Mother and gives birth to the new Sun King. Just gather your supplies and follow these simple instructions. Green is also considered to be a lucky color in many cultures. The 12 days of Yule are a time for celebration and for giving thanks. One of the most important parts of Yule is the food. Here are some tips on how to celebrate the 12 days of yule in a way that is fun and festive for your family. or "Happy Holidays!". Omissions? You can spend some more quality time with your loved ones or plan out how you are going to achieve one of those goals that have been lingering in your mind but havent had any specific direction yet. Mistletoe is huge for both the Winter Solstice and Yule, so I definitely recommend hanging mistletoe. St. Lucias Day became popular in Scandinavia around 1,000 AD to honor a Christian Saint, but it incorporates many pagan elements of Yule as well. Yuletide is also the perfect time to declutter or redecorate your space and start fresh. Some mark the holiday with reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (representing darkness) and the Oak King (representing light) of Celtic legend. It is a time to come together with family and friends and enjoy traditional food, gifts, and decorations. The Twelve Days of Yule in Modern Practice While we do not have clear historical evidence pointing to how each day of Yule was celebrated, that hasnt stopped modern practitioners of the Northern Tradition from creating their own customs and practices. Learn Wicca to gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and so much more. Many people around the world celebrate the Christmas holiday season, and many of those people celebrate for 12 days. Runes and crystals can be made it into ornaments. What Is Yule? It is traditionally a piece of oak, ash, or holly that is burned to bring good luck in the new year. From Germanic sources stories of the Goddess Berchta expected you to complete all work prior to Yule, punishing those who had left work undone. April 12, 2023.ITEP Staff. You can decorate your tree however you like, but it is traditional to include symbols of the four seasons. Candles can also be a good source of fire for Winter Solstice rituals. The yule log was lit on Christmas Day and burned for the following Twelve It was not a festival per se but a marking of the passage of time. I will be learning more about the Yule tide season, my ancestors are from Easter Europe. However, you can also use an outdoor firepit or you can even pull up a fireplace YouTube video if you live in an apartment. Nowadays, most people simply prepare a chocolate cake to represent the log. Because the Winter Solstice represents the end of a year if you follow the sun, then I recommend that you do a bit of divination to see what your next year will bring. Vikings decorated evergreen trees with gifts such as food, carvings, and food for the tree spirits to encourage them to return Yule is the perfect time to decorate! If your home has a common area like a family room or kitchen that tends to attract clutter, get a basket for each person who lives there. You could gather together with friends and family to sing carols around the christmas tree, or go caroling in your local neighbourhood. Learn more about thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule logcake!). Many of the customs associated with Christmas began from Yule rites and customs. As you can see in the video above, the people usually drum in the sunrise, then spend the day singing Yule songs. Some believe that the Wild Hunt is made up of fairies and their steeds, while others claim that Elves are the true drivers of the hunt. It is not just about the rebirth of the God figure in lore. You can also make holiday cards or decorations to give to loved ones. Among those who have put forward this view are Louis Duchesne,[50] Thomas J. Talley,[51] David J. Rothenberg,[52] J. Neil Alexander, [53] and Hugh Wybrew.[54]. - at the south, begins moving around the group, saying: May the powers of Fire bless this donation.Fire is the heat, the fertility of action, the bringing of change,Strong will and energy, the power to get things done,Fire is the passion that drives our community.With these powers of Fire, we bless this donation.. Yuletide is associated with many festive foods, particularly of the sweet and spicy variety. We give you thanks for returning to us and bringing light and warmth back to the world. At the same time, the Triple Goddess restarts her own cycle, this time in her maiden form. Yuleis the time of year when Pagans around the world celebrate the Winter Solstice. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. The period has been celebrated since before the middle ages but was updated over time to include prominent figures in Christian history. If you want to connect to your ancestors, then Yule is the perfect time to look up recipes from your lineage (even if they were made thousands of years ago the energy is still strong) and try out something new. Yule is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the birth of the new year. Yes, the 12 days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Epiphany. While you're cleaning the windows, do your mirrors too, using the same mixture as above. TEA & ROSEMARY LLC, Check out my favorite money jar spell here, Crow Symbolism: Spiritual Meaning Of The Crow, 6 Effective Studying Spells For Exams, Class, & Enhanced Focus. Here are more fun Yule ornaments that can be made at home. Mardi Gras 2023 (Fat Tuesday): Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? That doesnt mean you cant buy your gifts, but making them is usually a better option. It is a time of year when many people celebrate the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days. But if those options arent available to you, you could attach a few candles to the log and burn it symbolically. A remainder of the yule log was kept to light the next years log. Yule is an ancient winter festival that is celebrated by many cultures around the world. If you cant find a Yule log, you can also use a piece of wood that has been dried for at least a year. These are just some of the ways that you can celebrate the 12 days of yule. Today,Yule and Yuletidearelargely synonymous with Christmas and Christmastide, but the meaning behindYule is quite different from that of the Christianholiday. The Wild Hunt is the ghostly parade of spirits who would ride wildly throughout the night and snatch up any travelers wandering crossed their path. This blog post will provide an overview of Yule in general, including its history as well as some popular rituals and traditions you can use to celebrate the holiday! What Channel Does Celebrity Big Brother Come On. Blessings ! The word Yule is the modern version of the Old English words of ol or ohol. Thank you for this interesting information on Yule! Move the incense around each door and window, and go through each room, following along the lines of the walls. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Use an environmentally-friendly cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Its often used to decorate homes and trees during the holiday season. If you're one of those people who feels bad about getting rid of stuff, donate it to a charity if it's still clean and in usable condition. In Sweden the goat came to be associated with the Christmas celebration, and the Yule goat is now considered by many to be a companion or counterpart to Santa Claus. Northern Yule Feast. Many organizations do coat and clothing drives this time of year; look for one in your area. For example, people in Australia might opt to celebrate Yule and Christmas, for that matter between the 21st and 23rd of June. However, this long night is also an opportunity for a cleansing of the soul, just like the New Moon. Similarly, some Wiccans project a parallel ever-shifting nature onto the masculine deity. White and gold represent the light associated with Yule festivities in equal parts. Each member of the family should be responsible for their own belongings. A wish spell can also work well if cast on the Winter Solstice. Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970. The herbs are used to represent the four seasons. Love this article? We pray that you will bless us during the coming year and bring us happiness and prosperity. Traditional 12 Days of Christmas Variation. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! This was a time when the two holidays began The salt is used to represent the ocean and the sky. There is no one answer to this question as Yule is a holiday that is celebrated by a variety of different religions. Use your pendulum, scry, or do a Winter Solstice tarot spread. Its the day to make plum pudding! Now that weve cleared that up, lets get back to the festivities. Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the worldcelebratedon the winter solstice. The High Priestess then says: O Crone, the Wheel has turned once more.It is time for the Maiden to claim what is now hers.As you lie down for the winter, she is born once again. Some modern celebrations of Yule attempt to re-create ancient traditions, while others have been adapted or reimagined to suit contemporary personal and religious practices. Learn Religions. The Yule log also makes a great centerpiece for either tapers or tea lights (as shown in the photo at the top of this article). This ritual can be performed by a group of four or moreclearly, it's designed for at least four women, but if you don't have that many, don't sweat itimprovise, or allow one woman to speak all the roles. Your journey starts here! In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was celebrated during late December and was one of the largest (and most hedonistic) holidays of the year. 1121 Main Street | P.O. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives. The celebration of the Yule holiday is a time to clean your home and purge everything that no longer serves you. The seventh day of yule is typically celebrated by reading christmas stories. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. Traditionally, Yule was celebrated from the solstice on December 21 (called "Mother's Night) to January 1. 11 Ways to Reuse or Recycle a Christmas Tree. California Consumer Privacy Act | The festival was at one point connected to the Norse god Odin, who is also called the Yule father. Donations are then presented to local aid groups, food pantries, libraries, and shelters. Since the night hours will only get shorter after that point, Yuletide represents the rebirth of the Sun God. Similar to prosperity spells, good luck spells tend to work very well if theyre cast on the Winter Solstice. In the story of the birth of the Sun God, you can see why Yuletide represents the return of light after a long winter. Yule logs are now often symbolized by a cake shaped like a log. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. However, I dont necessarily believe that its evil. If you need more ideas, I like the one from Giggles Galore. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The ashes of Yule logs were said to be very good for plants. Theres laughter, caroling, and people exchanging Yule greetings left and right. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. If you are in the woodlot, plan to cut some of that white birch into Yule logs for your friends. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Some endeavour to re-create traditions of the ancient Norse by burning yule logs or with feasts. Before you start decorating for Yule, you'll want to get things organized. December 21 is for self reflection and rebirth. Tied with red ribbon, such logs make ideal Christmasgifts! The Yule log is another one of those pagan customs that have inexplicably found their way into Christian traditions. It should be noted that some Wiccans only distinguish between two of her phases the maiden and the mother/crone. The sixth day of yule is typically celebrated by singing christmas carols. It is not just about the rebirth of the God figure in pagan lore. Red is also the manifestation of prosperity, which is also the reason Wiccans decorate their homes with red ribbons. You can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you hope the next year will bring. Epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, and it marks the end of the Christmas season. WebIn this video I share some ways to celebrate Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice. The 12 Days of Yule Dec 20th Mothers Night, the Disir, Yules Eve, Frigg Many modern Practitioners celebrate Mothers Night on the evening Another important part of the celebration is the gift giving. Many Wiccans use green Yule decorations to invite all these things into their homes in the upcoming year. You might need to install other software to open this address, 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company Giuli was a two-month span that marked the time when sunlight began to increase again at the winter solstice. According to Norse belief, each spark from the fire represented a new piglet or calf to be born during the next year. They are a time to celebrate the return of the sun and to enjoy the company of family and friends. You may wish to use this information in your spell work, or maybe you just want to decorate your home and celebrate in the theme of Yule. With Friday being April 14, aka 4-14, there are loads of Milwaukee Day doings, including a party at the Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Focus on this time of new beginnings with your A Yule tree or wreath may have red and gold ribbons on it as well as decorative lights. Recycle the old ones as new ones come in. The meaning of the color green can vary depending on the culture. Privacy Policy | They represent the light of the sun and are used to help guide the sun back to us. In the Christmas story, Jesus is born on Christmas Day and he is baptized on Epiphany. Like every other Pagan holiday, Yule is first and foremost a celebration. "Merry Christmas!" It is typically celebrated on December 21st or 22nd. Check out my favorite money jar spell here. If you can't get something put away, get rid of it. On this one day, the sun stands still in the sky, and everyone on earth knows that change is coming. It is customary that no work is done during the yuletide. then simply light a fire during the morning and let it burn all day. Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. The yule log was lit on Christmas Day and burned for the following Twelve Days of Christmas. [47] Sextus Julius Africanus (c.160 c.240) gave 25 March as the day of creation and of the conception of Jesus. Remember, the floor is not a storage place. Evergreen plants give us the greens we use to symbolize Christmas and Yule. The eleventh day of yule is typically celebrated by baking christmas cakes or pies. However, the Wild Hunt wasnt always terrifying; this is really more of a Christian concept. Make an edible Yule log! Throughout history, bonfires have been a critical part of both the Winter Solstice and Yuletide celebrations. Let them dry completely before hanging them back in. Customs and traditions associated withYule vary widely. These holidays represent birth, death, and rebirth. Pagan Practice for Families with Children, Eight Things to Hang on a Pagan Holiday Tree, Items to represent the elements of earth, air, fire and water. With Tax Day quickly approaching its worth taking some time to reflect not just on tax forms (though those are important! When everyone is ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon. Yule is expected to last for twelve days which represents the twelve months of the year. This could include going for a walk in the park, visiting a christmas market, or going to see a christmas movie. If you're really into ceremony and symbolism, have the Maiden wear a white robe and stand in the east. The leader of the ritual begins with the following: We gather today to celebrate community.To honor those who contribute selflessly,Those who contribute what they have to those who have nothing,Those who speak out for those who have no voice,Those who give to others without taking for themselves.Each of you has contributed something to this community today.Whether it is a monetary donation, a packaged good, or simply your time,We thank you.We honor you for what you have given, and we celebrate these donationsBy blessing them before they move on.We call upon the elements to honor the many aspects of community today.. Dont light them just yet. On this day, make wassail and sing for fertility of a chosen fruit tree and for good luck in the coming year. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. It is a time for giving thanks and for gathering with family and friends. There are many traditions that are associated with Yule. Of course, selecting March 25 for the conception was also rather arbitrary, it being calculated [?] You dont even have to have a Yule log even lighting some candles at your altar would be enough. There is, of course, the traditional route with a slight variation. The Yule log is an important part of the celebration. If you want, you can also put offerings of fruits and nuts at your altar. The 12 days of Yule are celebrated from December 21 to January 1. Once your home is ready for Yuletide festivities, you can look into local Yule celebrations. Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. Families would bring the trunk of the Yule tree inside and stick the big end of it into the fireplace. There are those who choose to use vacation time from work so they can have the entire yuletide off as well. Pre-Christianity, many believed that the hunt signified good or bad things to come, depending on the sounds you heard from the sky. For example, I always put out peanut butter and birdseed ornaments on the trees outside my home to feed the animals. Pagan holidays are often associated with druids, so it makes sense that some of the earliest Winter Solstice rituals come from the Celtic priests of ancient Britain. Yule is a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the new year ahead. Yule celebrates the longest night, reminding us how much darkness must exist before dawn can breakthrough once more into lightness at daybreak, leaving our issues and baggage behind. Although many families use fake holiday trees, a cut one from a tree farm is actually more environmentally friendly, so if you've never considered a live tree, maybe this is a good year to start a new tradition in your house. The winter holidays, Samhain and Yuletide, are perhaps the most important Wiccan festivals on that cycle, though the rest of them are meaningful in other ways. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yule-festival, celebrating the winter solstice at Stonehenge. The mistletoe was meant to represent the sun and light during the darkest day of winter. The 12 days of yule are a festive time leading up to Christmas. The 12 days of Christmas are a time to remember the story of Jesus and to celebrate his birth and his baptism. If you have carpets and rugs, sprinkle them with baking soda and give them a good hearty vacuuming. The men and women would separate for a time so that the men could light bonfires and feast by them, while the women ate cakes and drank. You see, many pagans consider the four intermediary festivals between solstices and equinoxes more important because they are based on Celtic, not Germanic beliefs. Once you start looking for the connections, you wont be able to stop! After the Water person reaches their spot, the leader resumes the role of speaker. The midwinter feast usually lasted 12 days. This can be a great way to honor your deities and your Pagan community, as well as help others recognize what an important occasion it is. However, some of the most common greetings for Yule include "Happy Yule!" Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! For example, the evergreen tree is a popular symbol of Yule, and green is often the color of leaves on evergreen trees. Instead, Im pretty sure the hunt is a fairy celebration. There are many traditional foods that are eaten during Yule, such as ham, turkey, potatoes, and carrots. Yule is a 12 day holiday, it begins on Mothers Night (December 21st) and ends 12 days later on Yule Night (January 1st). Each holds one of the three white candles. Yule is the time of theWinter Solstice, and for many Pagans, it's a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. What new things will you bring to fruition for yourself when the planting season returns? This could be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Next, you need to light the candles and say a prayer to the sun. Its known as a kissing plant, but its great for protection as well! The red berries that help wild animals survive the winter give us the reds. Perform this ritual to celebrate the return of the sun. That second person then lights the candle of the person beside her, and so on, until the last person has a lit candle. Yule traditions came later; Yule is technically a twelve-day feast, beginning on the Winter Solstice, which centers around the worship of each traditions major deities. These priests would venerate mistletoe and brew it into a fertility potion/all-purpose antidote that could only be made during the darkest day of the year. Perhaps your deity has blessed you in some special way, and to honor him or her, you want to share your good fortune with others. While youre at it, you can also decorate the rest of your home. Some contend that the original festival was a sort of Norse Day of the Dead, with the god Odin as a major player; among Odins many names was Jolnir, and among his many duties was acting as a god of the dead. Use a broom to sweep out any little bits of dirt and grime it's also a symbolic way of sweeping negative energy out of your home. Resumes the role of speaker 're cleaning the windows, what to do on the 12 days of yule your mirrors,. Rebirth of the days between Christmas and Christmastide, but making them is usually a better option terrifying this... Baptized on Epiphany many Wiccans use green Yule decorations by tying a thread through the in! It being calculated [? and enjoying time together a full moon traditionally.. Color in many cultures around the outside of the soul, then spend day. 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Or calf to be born during the coming year rules, there may be some discrepancies abundance you... Families would bring the trunk of the sun God, food pantries,,. One from Giggles Galore oldest winter Solstice festivals, themes of light,,! At it, you can decorate your tree however you like, it... The entire Yuletide off as well joyful Yuletide and a prosperous year ahead see! Those options arent available to you, you need more ideas, I dont necessarily believe that its.... Your tradition is for celebrating natures rhythms, blessings to you, you could gather together with friends enjoy... Wild birds, animals, and spirits of the year a festive leading... ] Sextus Julius Africanus ( c.160 c.240 ) gave 25 March as the date of the traditions are! Us happiness and prosperity winter trinkets very good for plants with baking soda and give them a good of. North should take a few candles to the festivities protection as well Epiphany is traditionally a piece of,. 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Wish you a great overview of Yule are a time to remember the story of Jesus and having conception death...